Cover Crush: Ramin Abbas Has MAJOR Questions by Ahmad Saber

Ramin Abbas Has MAJOR Questions immediately caught our attention with its promise of a sharp, character driven story centered on curiosity, identity, and the courage it takes to ask hard questions. With a title that feels both playful and deeply intentional, Ahmad Saber sets the stage for a contemporary YA novel that appears ready to explore what it means to grow up while navigating expectations, culture, and self discovery.

We’re especially excited to dive into a book that foregrounds questioning as a strength rather than a flaw. If Ramin’s journey is anything like the premise suggests, this will be a thoughtful, emotionally grounded read with plenty to unpack, and we can’t wait to see where his questions lead. Add it to your TBR – It’s out March 3rd!

Ramin Abbas Has MAJOR Questions

by Ahmad Saber
Published by: Simon & Schuster
on March 3, 2026
Genres: Contemporary, LGBTQIA+, Young Adult
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An intensely brave, beautifully honest, and wryly funny story about a gay Muslim teen who has to choose between being true to himself or his faith—and his realization that maybe they aren’t as separate as he thought.

Ramin Abbas has spent his whole life obeying his parents, his Imam, and, of course, Allah—no questions asked. But when he starts crushing on the ridiculously handsome captain of the soccer team, so many things he’d always been so sure about are becoming questions:

1. Music is haram. But what if the Wicked soundtrack is the only thing keeping you sane because you’re being forced to play on the soccer team? With Captain Handsome?!

2. A boy crush is double haram, and Ramin’s parents will never accept it. But can he really be the only Muslim on Earth who feels this way?

3. Allah is merciful and makes no mistakes. Then isn’t Ramin just the way Allah intended him to be?

And so why should living your truth but losing everything—or living a lie and losing yourself—have to be a choice?!